If you live in the US, you can play online poker legally. Several states have regulated their online poker markets. In 2011, New Jersey passed a bill legalizing online poker. But Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill, so the industry had to wait until 2013. The new bill, passed in 2013, authorized the industry to run for 10 years. It will then be reviewed for extension. However, the current status of the US poker market is unclear.
Despite its popularity, internet poker has its downsides. While online poker may sound like a fun way to pass the time, it’s not for everyone. While most internet poker rooms are located outside the United States, the laws are different from those of many players. For this reason, it’s important to play only at regulated, larger sites and make sure you’re playing legally. For more information about online poker, read our guide.
To play poker legally, you must understand how the game works. Many poker sites don’t accept credit cards, so you must set up a virtual bank account to deposit your money. Make sure to choose a bank with a lot of customers so that you won’t have trouble withdrawing your winnings if you lose. You can also learn to play poker for free by playing low-stakes games at an established online poker site.
If you’re a newcomer to online poker, you can choose to play anonymously at Ignition Poker. The main reason to play this way is that when you play online poker under your name, your opponent can track you. Playing anonymously also protects you from shark-filled waters. However, you can’t use Heads-Up Displays while playing poker at Ignition. You must be in the US to participate.
Almost every regulated US poker site offers welcome bonuses worth up to $1,000. The bonuses are issued as rakeback. You need to play real money games to receive the bonus. These bonuses are released in small increments of 5%-10%, and you can expect to make a good return on your rake while they’re active. A new player can maximize their first deposit while playing poker with the best bonus. So, don’t forget to take advantage of it!
The US government imposed new regulations in 2011, making it illegal for US banks to deal with offshore online poker sites. However, some sites continued to accept US players and adapted their business models to avoid these restrictions. The industry continued to grow until the UIGEA passed. There’s no doubt that the US government won’t be as strict with online poker as it is now. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with these regulations before you play.